1870 vs 1873 ramrod

[Kragrifle]

Can someone explain the difference (or similarity) of the 1870 50cal ramrod to the 1873 45 cal ramrod? Both have double shoulders......

[Dick Hosmer]

Off the top of my head:

(1) Head diameter is slightly different. Shaft diameter(s) MAY be slightly different, I'd have to check.

(2) !873 rod has 35 (?) rings/grooves, called cannelures, at the small end, while 1870 is completely plain.

(3) 1870 (and a few early 1873) rods have 7-ring heads, most 1873s have 6.

(4) 1870 rods were bright, 1873 rods were blued.

Number (2) is probably the easiest to check, even on a very worn rod. The attachment groove, and overall length are identical. In most cases, the two rods will interchange freely.

All the above refer to rods as they left SA. What Bubba may have done to any given specimen is unknown. 1870 rods are scarce, as might be expected.

The 1868 and 1870 rods are identical except for the shoulder feature. Of course, the 1000 1870 Trials rifles, and those from the first production block, used 1868 rods. The shoulder change seems to have occurred at the same time that the word "Model" was added to the breechblock. There are, if one wants to pick nits, three slightly differing versions of the 1870 rifle.

Hope that helps.

[Kragrifle]

Thanks Dick! The 1870 will be threaded for the tools, correct?

[Dick Hosmer]

You are very welcome.

No, see (2) "1870 is completely plain". Use of screw-on tools (cleaning jag, worm) ceased with the Model 1866 and did not return until the "thimble" of the first rod-bayonet rifles in 1880.